I use old Compacts/Tri-Stars. I don't know the model numbers, but our first one we bought new in the early 1990's--it is silver in color, but still made of metal. We decided to get a newer vacuum about 5 years ago as we figured the TriStar surely wasn't working as well being it was getting old. I think we bought a new Hoover, and ended up giving it away just a few weeks later as I had to go behind it with the TriStar.
I started to look around for another TriStar and it was then that I found out they come out in all these cool colors! So, I've picked up 2 red ones, 1 turquoise (it has glitter in the attachments!), and 1 old teal one with the cloth hose along the way. I found another '90's model similar to our first one at a thrift store, but it doesn't seem to have the suction power of any of our other ones.
While I love my Compacts/TriStars, especially since they're so cute, they're becoming a PITA to use due to their weight and overall cumbersomeness. I've been entertaining getting another vacuum, but have been reluctant due to our last experience. The last thing I want to do is have to vacuum everything twice in a row, so I've been reading these vacuum threads with interest. I am a member of vacuumland, but don't go there much, so will need to spend some time over there to get suggestions.
Pictured are my turquoise and one of my reds. As you can see, they've been well used over the years. Also included a picture of some of the attachments--a scalp massager, spray gun, and moth vaporizer.
